Thirty-two bassoonists were among 1500 young musicians attending the Inaugural International Festival of Youth Orchestras held in St. Moritz, Switzerland, between August 18th and 30th, 1969. Eleven youth orchestras represented Great Britain, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Holland, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, and the U.S.A.
Each orchestra played one formal concert conducted by their own conductor. One composition on each program was conducted by one of the two guest conductors: Zdenek Lukas and Walter Susskind. In addition to rehearsals for their own concerts, young players also attended seminars, auditions for violin and conducting scholarships, and the International Festival Youth Orchestra. A program of social events, sight-seeing, and shopping trips rounded out a busy schedule.
The International Festival Youth Orchestra, conducted by Leopold Stokowski, was made up of players nominated for audition by their conductors. The bassoon team selected is pictured, from left to right:
The altitude (6000 feet plus!) and the temperature in the festival hall did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the young musicians in St. Moritz. The festival, set in the splendor of Switzerland's Engadine, provided an unparalleled opportunity for young players to meet, discuss, and listen to music. Further festivals are planned by the Organising Secretary, I.F.Y.O., 57 Sloane Street, London, S.W. 1., England.